Remotely-alterable flexible electronic display device employing an electronic-ink layer integrated within a stacked-layer architecture

ABSTRACT

A remotely-alterable flexible electronic-ink based display device employing a flexible addressable display assembly including a layer of electronic ink including a bi-stable non-volatile imaging material. The device includes a flexible integrated circuit layer having a storage element for storing instructions, programs and data, and a programmed processor in electrical communication with the addressable display assembly and a flexible antenna structure. A flexible signal transmitting layer transmits signals from the flexible antenna structure to a remote activator module. A flexible signal receiving layer receives electromagnetic signals from the remote activator module, using the antenna structure. A flexible on-board battery power layer, operably connected to the flexible integrated circuit layer, supplies electrical power the integrated circuit layer, which is responsive to electromagnetic signals received from the remote activator module by the antenna layer and the signal receiving layer. The addressable display assembly is responsive to output signals generated by the programmed processor, to display the determined graphical indicia. The flexible antenna layer, flexible integrated circuit layer, flexible signal transmitting layer, flexible signal receiving layer, and flexible on-board battery power layer are arranged and stacked together behind and within the spatial extent of the flexible addressable display assembly so as to form the remotely-alterable electronic-ink based display device having a flexible stacked-layer construction.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.11/196,776 filed Aug. 2, 2005; which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 09/393,553 filed Sep. 10, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No.6,924,781; which claims priority to provisional patent application Ser.No. 60/099,888, filed Sep. 11, 1998; each Application being owned byMetrologic Instruments, Inc. and incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to electronic display devices, and ismore particularly directed to remotely updateable electronic labeldevices and systems for displaying selected data.

Conventional printing labels and methodology for affixing them toparticular items are well known in the art. The information permanentlyapplied on the printing labels reflects information known about theparticular items at the time the labels were created. It is generallydifficult to alter the indicia on the printing labels once created forthe particular items. In general, three conventional techniques havebeen developed to address this problem. According to a first technique,a completely new label is created to replace the previously printedlabel. The new label is typically reaffixed to the particular item,either at a new location or over the existing label. According to asecond technique, a new but smaller label can be employed to patch overa portion of the originally printed label in order to alter particularindicia related to the item. In some applications, properly placing andaligning the new, smaller label, so that it can subsequently be read bya machine or person, is a difficult, labor intensive, and error proneprocess. In the situation where all or a portion of a label is changedwith the new label, great care is taken to ensure that an unacceptablebuildup of labeling material does not occur, and that the labelalignment is sufficient to illustrate the altered item indicia, as wellas to ensure that it does not affect human or machine readableprocesses.

A third common technique involves the situation where the information orimage is directly imprinted or manually written or drawn onto an item.In this circumstance, the old image is generally removed or erased, andthen a new image is reprinted or drawn on the item. Examples of suchinformation deleting include price changes related to the item, changesin menu prices, the return dates on library books, return dates forvideo rentals, and the like. Great care is typically employed to ensurethat the integrity of the information visible on the new label or thedesignated area is not adversely impacted through some interaction orinterference with the information previously imprinted or present on thelabel or disposed in the designated area. Otherwise, the integrity ofthe new item information may be affected. Moreover, removing or erasingthe original information imprinted, written, or drawn on the label ordesignated area of the item may result in damage to the item.

Conventional items to be labeled generally reserve a designated locationfor displaying relevant item information. Generally, an individualapplies the labels to the item at this designated location, or writes,draws or stamps information in the designated area. Despite the presenceof the designated label location, it is typical to find variabilitybetween items in terms of the label location, orientation and ability toconvey the proper information to a consumer or to a piece of equipmentintended to read automatically the information off the item.

There accordingly exists a need in the art for a stand-alone, remotelyupdateable and/or alterable electronic label which can be formed invarious sizes and shapes for displaying information related to an itemin human or machine readable form. There further exists a need in theart to update or alter the information related to the item in a mannerwhich allows the label to be reused a significant number of times.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a smart, flexibleelectronic display, label, tag or strip that is self contained, does notrequire an onboard power source (such as a battery), and employs radiowave transmissions to remotely update and permanently or temporarilyalter the information displayed in human and/or machine readable form.The information displayed by the label can be a subset of theinformation locally stored on the label, information received partly orsolely from an external source, or a combination thereof. Moreover, thelabel can be a ‘dumb’ label by displaying solely the informationreceived from the external source, or can be a ‘smart’ label capable ofdetermining in whole or in part the information to be displayed.

It is a further object to employ the electronic label of the presentinvention in a number of different applications to create ‘display,label, tag, or strip systems’ that include combinations and variationsof microprocessors, computer(s), software, electromagnetic transmittersand receivers, and a variety of antennas, etc., that can communicatewith and update the remotely updateable/alterable electronic label, tagor strip in any manner.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an electroniclabel for updating information on a display portion of the label, tag orstrip. The label can be formed as a wristband, pendant, badge, pin,etc., and worn by a person in a place of entertainment or amusement, orin any other environment or venue where it is beneficial to periodicallyupdate the information displayed on the label to reflect both the statusof services or events of interest.

The present invention provides for smart and dumb implementations of astand-alone, remotely updateable, remotely alterable, flexibleelectronic display, label, tag or strip device of various sizes andshapes. The number of layers forming the device can vary depending uponthe particular components employed in the device, and upon therequirements or exigencies of the intended application. The displaydevice of the present invention provides a flexible electronic displaythat is self contained, does not require an onboard power source, andemploys radio waves transmissions to remotely update and permanentlyalter information displayed in human and/or machine readable form. Theelectronic display device of the present invention can be provided invarious embodiments, each of which can be employed as a system fordisplaying information related to a particular item. Each electronicdisplay system can include combinations and variations of particularelectronic components, including microprocessors, computer software,transmitters, receivers, and a variety of antennas, etc., that cancommunicate with and remotely update the electronic display at variousdistances. According to one practice, the display device can be updatedby providing for an electronic hard wire connection to a informationaltering device, or by employing electromagnetic waves to alter thedisplay from various distances.

The present invention provides for smart and dumb implementations of astand-alone, remotely updateable, remotely alterable, flexibleelectronic label. The electronic label provides for displayinginformation in connection with a mammal, non-mammal, an item orlocation. The label includes a display assembly having electronic inkdisposed on a support, one or more antennas for sending or receivingsignals corresponding to one of instructions, programs, data or selectedindicia to be displayed by said display assembly, a storage element incircuit with the antenna for storing the instructions, programs, dataand indicia, and one or more processors for intelligently determiningthe indicia to be displayed by the display assembly, for controlling andcoordinating operation of the label, and for generating output signalsfor instructing the display assembly to display the indicia.

The present invention also provides for a stacked, layered electroniclabel suitable for displaying information. The label includes one ormore display layers having electronic ink disposed on a support, one ormore activation grid layers for activating said electronic ink or otherdisplay layers, one or more antenna layers for sending or receivingsignals corresponding to programs, instructions, data or indicia to bedisplayed by said display assembly, and a processor layer including oneor more processors and a storage element. The storage element storesindicia, data, programs or instructions. The processor, which is incircuit with the display layer, the activation layer, and the antennalayer, determines intelligently the indicia to be displayed by thedisplay layer. The processor also controls and coordinates operation ofthe label, and generates output signals for instructing the displaylayer to display the indicia. The display layer, said antenna layer,said activation grid layer, and said processor layer are all stackedtogether to form the stacked electronic label.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of theinvention will be apparent from the following description and apparentfrom the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters referto the same parts throughout the different views. The drawingsillustrate principles of the invention and, although not to scale, showrelative dimensions.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the electronic label according to theteachings of the present invention employed in connection with an item.

FIG. 2 is a schematic depiction of the electronic label (with selectedelectronic components illustrated) and activator module that form theelectronic label system according to the teachings of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 is a more detailed schematic depiction of the activator module ofFIG. 2 with selected electrical components illustrated.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating the stacked and assembled layersof one embodiment of the electronic label of FIG. 1 according to theteachings of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a general schematic depiction of certain selected electricalcomponents employed by the electronic label of FIG. 1 according to theteachings of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic depiction of the electronic label system of FIG. 2connected to one or more remote devices or systems according to theteachings of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a roll of film employing the electroniclabel in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate one application of the electronic label ofthe present invention used in a retail store environment in connectionwith the sale of consumer products. In this illustration canned goodsare shown.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the electronic label of the presentinvention used in connection with a menu.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an array of electronic labels used inconnection with a keyboard.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the electronic label of the presentinvention used in connection with a recording media item.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a broad illustration of an electronic label employed inconnection with an item, person, animal or location in accordance withthe teachings of the present invention. The illustrated electronic label16 is specifically employed in connection with an item 12. Theelectronic label 16 displays information, generally as human or machinereadable indicia 14, in order to display information related to the item12 or any other predefined or selected information. The electronic label16 can be temporarily or permanently affixed, attached, secured orcoupled to the item 12 according to known methods and techniques.According to one practice, a suitable conventional mechanical fasteningsystem, such as fasteners, loop and hook-type arrangements, stitches,adhesives, and molding, as well as other known fixation techniques, canbe employed to permanently or temporarily attach the electronic label 16to the item 12. The label can also be integrally formed with the item,or can be used as a stand alone label. As used herein, the term label isintended to include a label, strip, tag or general display device thatis sufficiently sized and configured for attachment to an animal,person, item, or location for displaying indicia. For purposes ofclarity, the label 16 is generally shown and described as being attachedto an item, although those of ordinary skill will readily recognize thatthe label can also be attached to an animal, person or location.

The illustrated electronic label 16 displays information that is eitherwholly or partly prestored or preloaded, or uploaded, in the label, orcreated by a processor in the label, or displays information thatcorresponds or is consistent with or based upon signals received from anexternal source, such as an activator module and/or a GPS system. Thoseof ordinary skill will readily recognize that the information displayedby the electronic label 16 can be any general information correspondingto the item, location, mammal or non-mammal, and which is suitable andappropriate for a particular intended use.

FIG. 2 is a schematic depiction of the electronic label 16 used inconnection with an activator module 18. The activator module, when usedin connection with the electronic label 16, can function as a mastercontroller, by sending signals to the electronic label so as to actuatethe label to display particular indicia, or by receiving selectedsignals from the electronic label for subsequent use. The signalsreceived by the activator module 18 can be representative of a varietyof information, including the status of the indicia displayed by theelectronic label 16, as well as any other information suitable to beemployed by the activator, and which would be obvious to those ofordinary skill in the art. The illustrated activator module 18 can be apocket-sized, handheld, portable, or fixed location signal generatingdevice, which can employ or be formed as a suitable antenna. Theillustrated activator module can be coupled to any appropriateprocessing or control apparatus, such as a stand-alone computer 70, alocal area network (LAN) 72, wide area network (WAN) 74, internet,intelligent appliance, or any other suitable signal generating,processing or control apparatus known to those of ordinary skill in theart. This arrangement is illustrated in FIG. 6. The activator module 18can be coupled to the processing or control apparatus through anysuitable communication link, such as a standard electrical cable,optical fiber, wireless network or any suitable direct or indirectconnection or link. The applications and embodiments described belowgenerally employ radio signals. The processing and signal controlcapabilities of the activator module 18 can be housed completely withinthe activator module, or can be distributed among the system or devicesto which it is connected.

With reference again to FIG. 2, the activator module 18 generates anoutput signal, designated as radio wave signal 20, that is received bythe electronic label 16. Those of ordinary skill will readily recognizethat the activator module 18 can generate any suitable output signal 20at any suitable selected frequency. Consequently, the activator module18 can operate as a number of different types of signal radiatorsdepending upon the label's intended use. The module can operate oversequential frequencies or can use simultaneously a number or combinationof different frequencies. FIG. 2 illustrates at least some of theselected mechanical and electrical components that comprise theelectronic label 16 of the present invention. The radio wave signal 20generated by the activator module 18 is received by an antenna element22. The antenna element 22, in response to the signal 20, generates anoutput antenna 26 that is received by a processor 24. The activatormodule 18 preferably generates an output signal 20 at a frequency thatcorresponds to the antenna element 22. Those of ordinary skill willreadily recognize that the activator module 18 can generate an outputsignal at any selected frequency, and hence can provide any suitableantenna element 22 configured for receiving the activator output signal.The illustrated processor 24 processes the antenna output signal 26 toperform one of a selected number of functions. For example, theprocessor 24 can communicate with a storage element 28 in order to storenew information or data or to access or retrieve selected information ordata stored therein, such as computer programs or instructions or storedpixel addresses, which can be employed to determine the particularindicia displayed by the display. The storage element 28 can also storea unique label or tag identification number, product code, color, name,size, description, and cost, sale price, percent reduction/markdown,unit of sale, lot number, expiration date, manufacturing date,manufacturer, identifier of manufacturing plant, country of origin,countries through which item has passed, tax rate, taxes paid, lastprice change, stocking number reorder number, retail store name andlocation, destination, intended use, cooking instructions, useful lifebased on storage temperature, recipes, last time cleaned or used, whenitem was initially opened, encrypting software, and security andanti-counterfeit software, as well as other related data consistent withthe intended use of the label. Those of ordinary skill be readily ableto determine in light of the teachings herein the information to bestored in the label 16 or transmitted to the label 16.

According to one practice, the processor 24 and the storage element 28operate in conjunction with each other to retrieve stored datacorresponding to indicia to be displayed by the display assembly 30.According to another practice, the processor 24 can initiate or executeone or more preprogrammed sequences stored locally within the storageelement 28 for determining which indicia is displayed by the displayelement 30. Alternatively, the processor 24 can process instructionsreceived by the activator module 18. Hence, the processor can beemployed to control and coordinate the display, while concomitantlyprocessing or passing along instructions received from the activatormodule or stored on the label. The processor 24 can also generate outputsignals to activate the display to show selected indicia based onexecuted instructions employing information stored locally in the label(e.g., in the storage element 28), information generated locally in thelabel, information received from the activation module or from someother source (e.g., a GPS system), or information generated from acombination thereof. The processor 24 can further be configured toemploy a combination of locally stored or generated instructions andexternally received instructions to determine a subset of the locallystored information transmitted by the external source (e.g., activatormodule 18) that should be displayed. This information can then be usedto determine the appropriate set of information processed by theprocessor 24. The processor 24 can generate an output signal thatactivates the display assembly 30 to display selected human and/ormachine readable indicia in any format. The indicia displayed by thedisplay assembly 30 can be information (e.g., textual or graphicinformation) associated or related to a mammal, non-mammal, item, orgeographic location, or any other suitable indicia consistent andcompatible with the label's intended use. The information can bedisplayed by the display assembly 30 in any appropriate font color, fonttype, font size or format, including any appropriate pixel density, anddisplay duration, such as flashing, non-flashing, static, motion, 3D,and the like. Moreover, the display can be adjusted or altered todisplay selected amounts of information in any suitable format. Theprocessor 24 can also employ encrypting and security software orprograms stored in the storage element 28 to authenticate commandsreceived or executed by the label. This function affords a selectedlevel of security and anti-counterfeit protection by ensuring that onlyauthorized information is displayed by the label. The storage element 28can be any suitable volatile or non-volatile memory element, orcombinations thereof, such as RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or any othersuitable memory or storage element known to those of ordinary skill.Those of ordinary skill will also recognize that the processinginstructions can be hardwired in the label 16 using discrete componentsand that all or portions of the processor functions can be constructedusing discrete components.

The illustrated processor 24 can operate to activate the displayassembly 30 to display a selected series of indicia. The processor 24can also be configured to maintain the indicia displayed by the displayassembly for a selected, finite period of time according to preselectedprograms stored in the label. Alternatively, the processor 24 can alterin a periodic, nonperiodic, intermittent or other selected manner theindicia displayed by the display assembly.

The illustrated electronic label 16 can further be adapted to transmit asignal 20A from the label 16 to the activator module 18. The signal 20Atransmitted by the electronic label 16 can include information or dataassociated with the status of the indicia displayed by the displayassembly 30, the status or operating condition of the electronic label,or any other information suitable for use by the activator module 18 andthe system to which the activator module 18 is connected.

The illustrated electronic label 16 can have a size suitable for itsintended use. In particular, the label 16 can be sized and dimensionedto form a label for use on a container, article of clothing, luggage,keyboard, gameboard, menu, and other articles, and can also beconstructed as a wristband, pennant, or any other suitable element usedin connection with an item, person or location for displaying selectedinformation. The intended use and application of the electronic labeldictate the size and shape of the label. Those of ordinary skill willthus recognize that the illustrated electronic label 16 functions as anelectronic, scalable, alterable display unit for use in connection witha mammal, non-mammal, selected item, or location.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of some of the electrical componentswhich can be housed within the activator module 18 of the electroniclabel system 10 of the present invention. The activator module 18 canemploy a processor 34 that is adapted to be used in connection with areceiver 36, a transmitter 38, or any other appropriate antenna device.Those of ordinary skill will readily recognize that the receiver 36 andthe transmitter 38 can be combined into a single transceiver device forboth sending and receiving signals. The illustrated receiver 36 isconfigured for receiving the output signal 20A generated by theelectronic label 16. Conversely, the transmitter 38 operates inconnection with the processor 34 to transmit the output signal 20 thatis received by the antenna 22 housed within the electronic label 16. Theactivator module 18 can be configured to send or receive commands,instructions, software programs, and parameters or variables associatedwith the pixel address locations of the display, the indicia displayedby the label, or instructions for use by the label at a later time, aswell as instructions for other functions associated with the operationof the label as both a ‘smart’ and ‘dumb’ label.

The activator module 18 can have any suitable shape and size consistentwith its intended use and installation. For example, the activatormodule 18 can be a stand alone device separate from the label 16, or canbe connected, secured, affixed or integrally formed with an item thatalso is coupled or in communication with the label or with a devicenormally used in connection with the item. The activator module 18 canbe formed as a portable or hand-held device, or can be of relativelylarge size and fixed temporarily or permanently at a selected location.Additionally, more than one activator module can be employed inconnection with a single label, and systems can be created that employvarious numbers of activator modules 18 and labels 16. Multipleactivators of a single style or variety can be intelligently coupled ornetworked together to provide more complex and sophisticated use.

The processor 34 can be a stand-alone processor or controller used inconnection with the activator module 18. According to an alternateembodiment, the processor 34 can be configured to communicate with oneor more remote devices or controllers, such as the stand-alone computer70, a wired or radio frequency based LAN 72, or a wired or radiofrequency based WAN 74, as illustrated in FIG. 6. Other remote devicesnot illustrated but which can also be coupled to the activator moduleinclude telephones, cable televisions, digital and analog cellular phonenetworks, satellite networks, private, public, military and governmentcontrol and communication systems, internet, world wide web, intranets,Intelligent Appliances, GPS systems, and radios including AM and FMradios broadcasting at various frequencies. The illustrated remotedevices 70-74 can operate in connection with the activator module 18 toform a control and processing system for use with the electronic label16. The remote devices can store selected algorithms or programs forprocessing selected data or instructions received by the activatormodule from the label 16. Alternatively, the remote devices can programor instruct the activator module 18 to perform selected functions, suchas instruct the label to display certain indicia, prestored or not, at acertain time, for a certain duration etc., or for altering the indiciadisplayed by the label. Those of ordinary skill will readily recognizethat the activator module 18 and the remote devices can operate in anyselected manner, such as a distributed processing system, forcontrolling the electronic label 16.

The electronic label 16 of the present invention can be constructed in avariety of different manners for receiving signals from the activatormodule 18, for processing signals, and for activating a display assemblyfor displaying selected indicia. According to one embodiment, theelectronic label 16 can be formed as a stacked, layered electrical andmechanical structure that employs a number of layers, each layer ofwhich is adapted to perform a selected function, and which can beintegrated together to form a single operable electronic label. Those ofordinary skill will also recognize that the label 16 can employ a singlelayer. With reference to FIG. 4, a protection layer 40 can be disposedover a layer of electronic ink 42 in order to prevent the electronic ink(or display assembly 30) from inadvertent physical trauma and/orenvironmental damage. The electronic ink layer 42 can be formed orconstructed of multiple layers of material, but for purposes ofillustration and clarity it is illustrated as a single layer. Theelectronic ink 42 is employed with an electronic activation grid 44,disposed on a support structure, to form the display assembly 30. Theillustrated activation grid can be constructed of one or more layers ofmaterial and operated to form a plurality of addressable pixellocations. Each pixel can be addressable by the processor 24, and can becontained or formed within the integrated circuit layer 54. Theprocessor 24 can control, address, alter or change each pixel locationin the activation grid 44. The activation grid 44 is intended to beemployed in connection with the electronic ink layer 42 to form humanand/or machine readable indicia. The activation grid 44 can be formed ina variety of manners and can have a variety of shapes and electronicconfigurations. The activation grid can alternatively be constructed byincluding a transparent electrode layer located above or on top of theelectronic ink layer. The activation grid 44 can be patterned so asprovide sufficient power (e.g., current or voltage) at selected pixeladdresses to form indicia. Such patterns include quadrilateral shapematrices (e.g., square or rectangular XY matrices), intersecting arcs,and linear and non-linear patterns, as well as other designs. Theactivation grid 44 can also be formed in a manner that reduces thenumber of necessary current carrying pathways.

The electronic ink layer 42 can employ electronic ink disposed on asuitable support structure, such as on or between one or moreelectrodes. The term “electronic ink” as used herein is intended toinclude a printable, conductive ink having an arrangement of particlesor microscopic containers or microcapsules. Each microcapsule hasdisposed therein an electrophoretic composition of a fluid, such as adielectric or emulsion fluid, and a suspension of colored or chargedparticles or colloidal material. According to one practice, theparticles visually contrast with the dielectric fluid. According toanother example, the electronic ink can include rotatable balls that canrotate to expose a different colored surface area, and which can migratebetween a forward viewing position and/or a rear non-viewing position.Electrodes can be used in conjunction with the electronic ink to form anelectronically activatable and addressable display assembly. Theelectrodes can be disposed on and/or cover opposite sides of themicrocapsule arrangement to provide structure for creating a potentialdifference across the electronic ink that causes particles within themicrocapsules to migrate toward one of the electrodes. This migrationcan change the color of the sphere, and hence the pixel location, asviewed by an individual. According to one practice, the microcapsulescan be filled with electrically charged white particles in a black orcolored dye. Examples of electronic ink and methods of fabricatingassemblies capable of controlling or effecting the orientation of theink suitable for use with the present invention are set forth inInternational Patent Application Publication Number WO 98/41899,International Patent Application Publication Number WO 98/19208,International Patent Application Publication Number WO 98/03896, andInternational Patent Application Publication Number WO 98/41898, thecontents of which are herein incorporated by reference. The electronicink employed by the label 16 of the present invention can also beconfigured as a single color, such as black, white or clear, and can befluorescent, iridescent, bioluminescent, incandescent, ultraviolet,infrared, or can include a wavelength specific radiation absorbing oremitting material. There can be multiple layers of electronic ink, eachwith its own activation grid layer, or multiple ink layers can beserviced by more than one activation grid layer. Different layers ofelectronic ink can have different properties or colors. Creatingdifferent layers for each primary color enables color displays, in afashion similar to the operation of a conventional television. Anycombination of electronic ink layers and activation grid layers arerepresented for illustration and discussion purposes as display assembly30. Moreover, the characteristics of the various layers can be differentfrom each other. For example, one layer can be used to view or displayinformation in the visible light range, while a second layer responds toor emits ultraviolet light. The non-visible layers can alternatively beconstructed of non-electronic ink based materials that have thepreviously listed radiation absorbing or emitting characteristics. Theelectronic ink employed in connection with the present inventionpreferably has the characteristic that it does not require power tomaintain display of indicia. The support layer suitable for use inconnection with the electronic ink and the activation grid layer 44 canbe formed of any suitable material compatible with the electronic ink,and include Mylar, Kapton, lignocellulosic material, plastic,non-conducting polymers, and the like.

The processor 24 can hence selectively activate an addressable pixellocation on the activation grid to charge the electrodes, and hence theparticles within the microcapsules. The particles in the microcapsulecan be transferred between end locations (or between electrodes) inorder to display either a white or dark spot. The combination of whiteand dark spots, which correspond to pixel locations, can be patterned tocreate text and images. Hence, the display assembly 30 in connectionwith the processor 24 can operate to change the state of the particleswithin the microcapsules depending upon the applied voltage. The voltageor current can be applied to the activation grid 44 according to knownaddressing techniques.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 4, the electronic label 16 can employ anonboard power device, such as a battery, or a combination of off-boardand on-board power sources for powering one or more of the labelcomponents or layers. The illustrated label 16 is preferably free of anysuch onboard power generating source, and employs a power antenna forreceiving power signals from an external source, such as from theactivator module 18. The power antenna can be formed as a power antennalayer 48 disposed between two shielding layers 46 in order toelectromagnetically isolate the antenna from one or more of the otherlabel components. Those of ordinary skill will recognize that any numberand arrangement of shielding layers can be used. Those of ordinary skillwill also recognize that the activator module 18 can transmit anappropriate power signal at a selected frequency compatible with thepower antenna 48 to the label 16 to provide power thereto. Theelectronic label 16 of the present invention can thus employ powerexclusively or solely from an on-board power source, such as from apower storage element (e.g., battery, capacitor, solar cell,micro-mechanical generator, etc.), solely or exclusively from powerreceived from an external source, or from a combination of on-board andoff-board sources.

The electronic label 16 can function as a stand-alone, integrated, andsubstantially complete electronic label that need not communicate withan external controller for power, such as the activator module 18, orcan be selectively configured to receive power from an external source.According to an alternate embodiment, a receiver, transmitter, orcombined transceiver, or any combination thereof, can also be formed aslayers in the stacked, layered electronic label 16. For example, areceiver layer 50 can be employed in the electronic label 16. Thereceiver layer 50 can be configured to receive signals, such as signals20, from the activator module 18 at a selected frequency. Furthermore,the transmitter layer 52 can be adapted to transmit selected signals,such as signals 20A, from the electronic label 16 to the activatormodule 18 at a selected frequency. The activator module 18 can beconfigured to transmit commands, instructions, software programs, andparameters or variables associated with the pixel address locations ofthe display, the indicia displayed by the label, or instructions for useby the label at a later time, as well as instructions for otherfunctions associated with the operation of the label. The illustratedreceiver layer 50 and the transmitter layer 52 can beelectromagnetically isolated from the power antenna 48 by shieldinglayers 46. Those of ordinary skill will recognize that the power antenna48, receiver 50, and transmitter 52 are optional components of theelectronic label 16. Those of ordinary skill will also recognize thatany number of suitable antennas can be employed in connection with thelabel 16 of the present invention. For example, the label 16 can employa common antenna layer to perform all necessary functions, a discreteantenna for each function, or any subset of antennas for performing oneor more functions.

The illustrated electronic label 16 can further employ an integratedcircuit layer 54 that include one or more other electrical components ofthe electronic label 16. The illustrated integrated circuit 54 ispreferably electrically coupled or disposed in electrical communicationwith one or more layers of the electronic label 16, such as theactivation grid layer 44, the power antenna layer 48, the receiver layer50, and the transmitter layer 52. Moreover, the integrated circuit layercan function as an electronic catch all layer for providing numerouselectrical components employed by the label 16.

FIG. 5 is a broad schematic illustration of the integrated circuit layer54 employed in connection with the electronic label 16 of the presentinvention. The integrated circuit 54 can include the processor 24 andthe storage element 28 discussed above in connection with FIG. 2. Theintegrated circuit layer 54 can also employ a power converter 60 that iscoupled to the processor 24, and is adapted to receive power signals 58generated by the power antenna in response to power signals receivedfrom the activator module 18. The power converter 60 converts the powerantenna signals 58 into suitable output current or voltage signals foruse by the components of the electronic label 16. The illustratedintegrated circuit layer 54 can further employ a transmitter, areceiver, a transceiver, or a combination thereof, as well as asecondary display 64, or any other suitable layered or discreteelectrical component.

Those of ordinary skill will readily recognize that in order to alter orchange the information displayed by the display assembly 30 of theelectronic label 16, the activator module 18 transmits data in lowpowered and/or high frequency radio signals to the antenna element 22,where it is converted into binary information by the processor 24.Further, different power levels and different frequencies can be used totransfer power and/or data between the activator module and the label.The information or data received by the electronic label 16 from theactivator module 18 can include programs or algorithms, or newinformation, that can be employed by the label 16 in order to update,change, alter, or maintain indicia displayed by the display assembly 30,or pixel addresses corresponding to pixel locations in the display.

The information shown on the display assembly 30 can be, according toone embodiment, a subset of the information stored within the storageelement 28, or derived or calculated from information or data stored inthe storage element 28. Moreover, the activator module 18 can beemployed in connection with one or more additional processing or controlapparatus to instruct or activate the electronic label 16.

The layers of the electronic label 16 can be formed of any suitablematerial in order to form a malleable, flexible or inflexible label.According to one embodiment, one or more of the layers can be formed ofplastic, Mylar, Kapton, pulp-based or PET-based material, or othermaterials suitable for employing or supporting electronic ink. Examplesof additional materials suitable for use in connection with the presentinvention include metals, non-metals, ceramic, pulp-base products, suchas paper, cardboard, and cloth, as well as combinations of variousmaterials. Those of ordinary skill will also recognize that each layerof the electronic label 16 can be formed of different materials, andthat the support layers for the electronic ink or one or more of theother layers can be opaque, translucent, colored, flexible, rigid,twistable or bendable. Moreover, the different components of the label16, such as the display, processor, memory, antennas, power converters,and other components, can be distributed in different layers orlocations, or can be co-located or intermingled in different ways in thelabel and throughout the layers. Although the illustrated label 16 isshown with a certain ordered series of layers, the layers can bedistributed differently throughout the stacked label 16. Thefunctionality or fabrication of layers of the label 16 as describedherein can also be combined to reduce the number of layers or separatedto maintain or increase the number of layers.

A significant advantage of the electronic label 16 of the presentinvention is that it is a remotely updateable, remotely alterable,flexible electronic display device that can be formed as part of anitem, or it can be used in connection with an item to display selectedinformation. Another advantage of the electronic label 16 of the presentinvention is that it need not employ a power source, or require power tomaintain a display of selected indicia on the display assembly 30.Specifically, the indicia formed by the electronic ink does not requirepower to maintain the selected indicia. Hence, if the activator module18 interrupts or ceases to transmit power signals to the electroniclabel 16, the label can still maintain the displaced indicia in humanand/or machine readable form.

Another significant advantage of the invention is that the label can beemployed as a smart label for processing signals received from anexternal source and for executing instructions stored in the label, andfor determining the indicia to be displayed. Alternatively, the label ofthe present invention can be employed as a dumb label for processingspecific instructions (e.g., pixel addresses) received from the externalsource. The electronic label can also be employed as a re-useable ordisposable label depending upon the intended use.

Another significant advantage of the present invention is that theactivator module 18 can be formed in any desired shape, or mounted ordisposed at any desired location. Hence, the use of the activator module18 in conjunction with the electronic label 16 forms an unobtrusive,seamless electronic labeling system that can alter or maintain indiciadisplayed in connection with an item, location, or individual.

With further reference to FIG. 4, the integrated circuit layer 54 can beconstructed so as to provide direct or indirect electrical contactsbetween the integrated circuit layer 54 and one or more of the otherlayers 40-52 of the electronic label 16. Those of ordinary skill willreadily recognize that the circuitry employed to create the currentfields or voltages necessary to cause the physical changes in theelectronic ink in the electronic ink layer 42 can be formed as part ofthe integrated circuit layer 54. Those of ordinary skill will alsorecognize that other embodiments of the integrated circuit layer 54exist which can employ discrete components suitable for performingselected functions of the electronic label 16, and which can be mountedin layers other than the integrated circuit layer 54.

Moreover, the activation grid layer 44 of the electronic label 16 canemploy circuitry for addressing one or more selected pixel locationswithin the matrix. For example, the activation grid can employ amodified X, Y style pixel addressable electronic circuitry, or angleradius pixel addressable electronic circuitry, both of which are knownand well characterized in the art. Those of ordinary skill will readilyrecognize that the activation grid can be formed in single or multiplelayers, although a single layer is illustrated for purposes of clarityin the electronic label 16 of FIG. 4.

The label 16 can also include a securing mechanism for securing thelabel to an item, location, or any other suitable support. The securingmechanism is generally schematically illustrated as securing layer 55,and can have any suitable size, shape and configuration. Specifically,the label 16 can be secured to an item or at a location according tomany known mechanical and non-mechanical fastening techniques, which areintended to be generally represented by the securing layer 55. Thesecuring layer can be an adhesive backing or a suitable adhesive, or cangenerally represent securing the label to an item or support byfasteners, stitching, weaving, sewing, laminating, snapping, pinning,tacking, loop and hook-type arrangements, and clipping and the like. Thelabel can be self standing or generally mechanically supported. Thesecuring layer can also be temporarily or permanently attached to theitem, or formed partly or wholly from the item or label. For example,the securing layer 55 can be used to form part of a shelf tag, hangingtag, or anti-theft label (electronic label surveillance). According toanother practice, the label can be integrally formed with the item orlocation, or formed from or is the same raw stock or material of theitem, and hence need not employ the securing layer 55.

The various layers of label 16 can be physically secured together in anumber of different ways, including by traditional mechanical fasteningand/or bonding techniques.

In operation, the activator module 18 can be mounted or fixed at aselected location relative to the electronic label 16 to promotecommunication therebetween. The activator module 18 can be a fixed,stand-alone device that includes all necessary control and processingcircuitry. In an alternate embodiment, the activator 18 can form part ofa distributed processing and control system, such as illustrated in FIG.6. The activator 18 can transmit via a transmitter (such as transmitter38) a selected radio wave signal 20 for powering the label and/orinstructing the label to display particular indicia. The activatormodule 18 can be configured to transmit commands, instructions, softwareprograms, or variables associated with either the pixel addresslocations corresponding to the label display, the indicia to bedisplayed by the label, or instructions for use by the label at a latertime, as well as instructions for other functions associated with theoperation of the label, including providing power signals for poweringthe label. When the integrated, remotely alterable and updateableelectronic label 16 is brought within the field or range of theactivator output signal 20, the power antenna 48 of the label can beactivated by any power signals transmitted by the module 18. The powerantenna 48 receives the power signals generated by the activator module18, which are then converted by the power converter 60, FIG. 5, intosuitable power (e.g., current or voltage). The power supplied to theelectronic label 16 is sufficient to actuate the processor 24. Theprocessor can be programmed or receives instructions to change, alter ormaintain indicia displayed by the display assembly 30, as describedabove. For example, if the display assembly is blank, or if it isdesired to change indicia displayed by the display assembly 30, theprocessor 24 retrieves data stored in the storage element 28, convertsthe data into pixel addresses and following selected or predefinedsequence applies the necessary power to the signal paths within theactivation grid matrix layer 44 to create the display. In thisembodiment, the label 16 is constructed as a smart label and employson-board storage and instructions for performing the operations and fordisplaying selected indicia. The processor 24 can also be constructed toprocess only instructions received from the activator module 18, andhence functions as a dumb label. The processor 24 can address selectedpixel locations in the grid matrix layer consistent with the predefinedsequence in order to actuate the electronic ink disposed in theelectronic ink layer 42. The processor in connection with the activationgrid layer 44 and the electronic ink layer 42 forms selected humanand/or machine readable indicia in the display.

Additionally, the electronic label 16 can transmit signals from theelectronic label 16 via the transmitter layer 52 (e.g., antenna 22 inFIG. 2). The transmitter layer 52 and the receiver layer 50 can beemployed in connection with the activator module 18 to exchange orupdate information. Hence, the transmitter layer 52 can transmit asignal to the activator module 18 containing information about thestatus of the label or about the position of the label relative to theactivator 18.

The label 16 can be used with one or more other labels to form a groupor an array of display devices that can be remotely updated or alteredin similar or different ways to display similar or differentinformation. The labels in this array can also have differentinformation stored in memory, and hence function in ways different fromother labels in the array. Thus, one or more activators can be used inconnection with the label array to actuate or instruct the labels in thearray to perform or execute pre-determined routines and/or to displaypredetermined indicia. Different electronic labels can also be employedin the same application, at the same time, and in the same area. Thelabels in the array need not display information at the beginning, norall be employed at the beginning. For example, the labels can be used asadmission tickets or passes for an amusement park, and can havedifferent values stored in memory in the same type of data field, suchas the number of times the label is used, or communicates with theactivator module. The label can employ a selected color scheme byemploying various background colors to identify the number of times eachlabel is turned on or off. If turned off, each time power is restored tothe label, any new indicia can be displayed on a different colorbackground, which may or may not be the same as the background onanother label in the array. Moreover, all or a portion of theinformation shown on the display may from time appear to be staticand/or dynamic, motion picture, or 3D.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one application of the electronic label16 of the present invention. The illustrated label 16 can be used,attached, secured or affixed to a camera, camera accessories, filmcontainer or to the illustrated roll of film 80. The film 80 has anouter body 84 that protects a film 82. The label 16 can be sized anddimensioned for securing to the outer body 84. The label 16 cancommunicate, if necessary, with the activator module 18. The label 16 ofthe label system 10 can also be used to automatically and reliably alterthe information 14 displayed by the display assembly to reflect all or asubset of the information temporarily or permanently stored in thestorage element. The stored information can include a unique label/tagidentification number, type of film, total number of exposures,remaining number of exposures, A.S.A. speed, date film was manufactured,date film was first placed in the camera, type of camera, date film wasremoved from the camera, date of processing, location of processing,encrypting software, security codes, and anti-counterfeit software.

In this application of the electronic label, the transmitters andreceivers of the activator module 18 can be mounted in the camera. Thismounting configuration can be accomplished by creating the necessarycircuitry as part of a single or multi-layered integrated circuit builtinto each camera. The camera can be powered by different sources, forexample, by an onboard battery or a charged capacitor that stores energyfrom mechanical motion, from the nearest activator module or from aproximate cell phone network. Once the activator module employed inconnection with the label 16 is powered, it can begin to transmit, asoften as appropriate, power signals to the label 16. Once powered, thelabel can be synchronized with the activator, or can proceed to displayindicia on the display assembly in accord with pre-stored instructions,or in accord with signals received from the activator module.

The camera can also be configured to mount a microprocessor that cantransmit signals as events dictated. For example, when the camera isturned on, the camera can be focused and a picture taken. Each time aperson takes a picture the label 16 on the film 80 can be updated toreflect the latest frame status in preparation for when it is removedfrom the camera, which can be between any exposure or at any time. Thefilm on which the information is displayed can be of any suitableformat, and can include plate type or cartridge type film. The label 16can be formed as an integral part of the container or as an integralpart of the film.

The camera, film container, or film also employs or operates inconjunction with an activator module. The activator module can bemounted within a still camera, motion picture camera, disposable camera,cartridge camera, 35 mm camera, SLR camera, x-ray machine, camera case,film developing equipment, film manufacturing equipment, table, chair,light fixture, television, DVD player, home entertainment system, cabletelevision, satellite television, centralized systems and/or data bases,keyboard, mouse pad, computer peripheral, personal data assistant, voiceactivated device, computer, microprocessor, Java box, common/shareddatabase, files, computer network, electronic data interchange networkequipment, e-commerce system, internet, the world wide web, intranet,Intelligent Appliance phone system, RF computer network backbone, LocalArea Network (LAN) connecting one or more computers, Wide Area Network(WAN) connecting one or more computers, serial or parallel wireconnection to one or more computers, optical connection to one or morecomputers, electromagnetic connection to one or more computers, orcomputer or network operating system.

The electronic label system 10 of the present invention can also beemployed in a retail store environment. FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate theuse of a label 16 in connection with a number of canned goods 88 seatedon a shelf 90 found in a retail store establishment. The illustratedcanned goods are only one example of how label 16 can be used in aretail establishment to sell a retail item. The label can be fashionedas a shelf tag, hanging tag, or a tag directly attached to the item orin an item supply or stocking procedure where the items are identifiedeither directly or indirectly to a shelf label. The label 16 can bemounted to a front portion of the shelf. The label can display indiciacorresponding to certain selected parameters, such as price. The label16 can be used in connection with any item in the retail establishmentto display information about the item. The electronic label 16 mountedor secured to the floor shelves can be manufactured with a shapeconsistent with standard shelf marking labels. The labels can arrive tothe retail store blank, and then be programmed or instructed to displayselected information.

FIG. 8B illustrated an alternate mounting scenario where the label 16 ismounted to an outer surface 89 of the canned goods rather than to theshelf 90. The label can display indicia 14 related to canned goods, suchas number and price 14B, as well as a barcode 14B. The label can be anintegral part of the can paper label or packaging. The blank labels canbe secured to the items according to any standard method, such as glue,stitching, weaving, sewing, lamination, snapping, pinning, tacking,clipping, and the like. The information indicia displayed by the labelcan be actuated by an activator module 18, either held by a clerk orformed or connected as part of the store's computer system. The retailstore can be wired so that one or more fixed activators eliminate theneed for a portable activator module. The label system 10 can beemployed to change the indicia displayed by one or labels in the storeto reflect price changes, such as sales or manager's specials. Thesystem thus creates a relatively easy and time efficient method foreffecting changes in the human or machine readable indicia displayed bythe label. The system thus eliminates the need for manually erasing oldinformation displayed for each item or group of items.

The labels can be attached to different items in any type of retailestablishment and can display different prices for each item or group ofitems. A single activator can be used to remotely update or alter thedisplayed prices, such as reducing the price of the items a selectedamount. Each label receiving the signal from the activator module canindependently calculate a new price and change the display to reflectthe price change.

The label array or group of labels can also be used to identifyadmission prices to a facility, such as an amusement park. The labelscan be configured as wristbands mounted about each park entrant, and candisplay pre-determined information, such as date, type of pass, andprice, as well as information relating to park attractions, such asrides or refreshment stands. This information can include waiting timesfor certain rides, the location of restrooms and food courts, theremaining balance of previously purchased park money and the like.

FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of the label system 10 accordingto the present invention. The illustrated menu 94 can mount a label 16thereon, or the label 16 can be integrally formed as part of the menu.The label 16 displays indicia associated with the restaurant, such asfood type and price. The display portion of the label can display eithera portion of the menu or the entire menu. The label can also beconfigured to display any other information or graphics suitable for therestaurant. The menu 94 can be updated via the on-board labelelectronics, or by an activator module mounted in the restaurant, orheld by the waiter or other employee. For example, if the activator ismounted by a cash register or hostess table, several menus 94 can beupdated at one time by the activator. If the entire restaurant iscovered by one or more fixed activators, the menu 94 can be updated atany item, even when the menu is on the table or in the customer's hand.The ability to seamlessly, remotely or locally update the menu displayis advantageous since the restaurant can in real time inform a customerwhen the kitchen runs out of an item or has to make a substitution.Price changes based on market price, business costs of good orcompetition can be changed as necessary. The display can also be alteredor updated to reflect changes in food offerings, changes in ingredientsof food offerings, options for preparing food offerings, specials of theday, price changes, changes in market prices of menu items, menuidentification number, restaurant name, type of meal (e.g., lunch,dinner, ala carte, etc.), item price, portion size, unit price, marketprice, soup or vegetable of the day, server's name, manager's name,color, shades, promotion logos, promotional symbols, customer name,restaurant club membership designator, personal customized message,encrypting software, security codes, and anti-counterfeit software, andthe like.

The size of the activators for this label system are proportional to thedistance over which they transmit signals. The activator module can beintegrally formed as part of a device sized and dimensioned forcommunicating with the label. The activator can be placed at locationsto provide a selected amount of coverage, such as in or near theceiling. All menus can respond to the activator module by transmittingback their unique identification and all of the data and informationnecessary to allow the activator module to determine which menus need tobe updated, for example, updating only the children's menu.

FIG. 10 illustrates another application of the label system 10 of thepresent invention. FIG. 10 illustrates a keyboard 98 having a pluralityof keys 100. One or more of the keys 100 can have mounted thereon alabel 16. The activator module employed in connection with the keyboardcan be mounted in the keyboard, or nearby in the computer or monitor.The label 16 can be activated to change or alter the symbols displayedin connection with each key. Other embodiments include moldingelectronic displays into special function keys, general purpose buttonsor dials or any other device that uses a visual representation toindicate what happens when a person presses, pushes, pulls, turns,twists lifts it. The remote ability to change the indicia displayed bythe label without direct electrical contact is useful in applicationswhere prolonged or repeated mechanical uses would wear out any directelectrical connection. The keyboard containing the labels can be updatedor changed as the application or situation dictates. The information,data pictures and icons displayed can therefore be context sensitive.They display can be changed based on the environment, the user, theapplication, the user's level and experience, and the like.

FIG. 11 illustrates another application of the label system 10 of thepresent invention. FIG. 11 illustrates a recording media device 104 thathas mounted or secured thereto a label 16. The label can also beintegrally formed or molded as part of the recording media device 104.The label 16 can display information 14 related to the recording mediadevice or the information stored thereon. The term recording mediadevice is intended to include any device for recording, storing,capturing or holding information, such as video information, audioinformation, and data and the like. For example, the label can beattached to the plastic housing of a computer diskette, a zip disk, aDVD, a VHS tape, or a music cassette. In the case of diskettes, thelabel can be attached to the jacket inserted into a disk drive. Thelabel can also be fabricated directly into the media, such as in thecenter of a CD or DVD. In the case where the recording media device is adisk that has a label secured thereon, the label can display informationrelated to the contents of the disk, such as the type of software,files, version number, amount of available storage space, and the like.The information displayed by the label 16 can be updated in real time,such as during use, or at any other appropriate time. For example, whena new file is written to a diskette, the size of the file or directoryand the date the file or directory is last can be shown on the label.According to one practice, the label can display and update thisinformation while the diskette is in the disk drive.

The information displayed by the label 16 can be altered each time themedia device 104 is placed into an appropriate structure, such as diskdrives, digital video disk drives, zip drives, laser disk drives, andthe like, and tape drives, such as magnetic tape drives, and recordingtape drives. The activator module can be mounted within the housing ofthe disk drive. Since the activator module does not need to make directcontact with the disk, the activator can instruct the label to alter orupdate information displayed by the label even while the disk isspinning. The activator module can thus be configured for activating thelabel independent of label movement. The activator module can also bedisposed as another computer device integrated with other equipment,which can stand alone on a desk or tabletop or can be hand held. Theactivator module can be used to update information in connection withcash cards, electronic wallets, debit cards, bank cards, etc. Sincemaintaining direct contact and/or proper alignment and or constantdistance or speed or line of sight are not required by the label system10 of the present invention, the system can be installed and easilyused. For example, the user places the recording media device into thesuitable structure, such as a disk drive, so that the drive can read orwrite information to the media device. The user then removes the mediawhich now contains a visual record of what is recorded on the mediadevice. Other embodiments of the media device include media devices usedfor computers or entertainment, such as a laser disk, video cassette,VHS cartridge, Beta max cartridge, zip drive, or any other type ofoptical or electromagnetic media.

The recording media device can also items carried in a persons pocket,wallet, or purse, or to items a person uses to track debit or creditcard balance, activity, status, goals, rewards or bonus levels, andbenefits. Examples or such items include permanent account items, suchas charge cards, electronic purses, credit cards, debit cards, telephonecards; temporary account items, such as mass transit fare cards,telephone cards, vending machine cash cards; memberships, such asmemberships in commercial establishments; and identification items, suchas ID cards, food cards, insurance policy identification cards, driverlicenses, public and private lottery tickets, and warranties.

In another application, the electronic label 16 of the present inventioncan be employed by the travel, postal or packaging industry, such asairlines, to label a variety of items, including packages, letters andluggage. In the case of the airline industry, the electronic label canbe used to replace conventional tags or stickers that are manuallyapplied to the luggage by the airline. By employing the electronic labelof the present invention, the label can be configured as a disposablelabel that can be discarded after use. Conversely, the label can beconfigured as a re-usable label that is reprogrammed or instructed todisplay indicia associated with another passenger's luggage. Inaddition, the label 16 can be manufactured as an integral piece or partof luggage or shipping container so that it can be cleared after eachtrip and display new indicia.

In this application, the electronic label 16 of the present inventioncan be employed when a passenger is checking in. First the properpassenger information can be retrieved from the airline reservationsystem. Attached to the reservation system at the check in point can bean activator module, such as module 18. The module 18 can be mounted inthe counter walls near the luggage weight scale, in the check in counterproximate the luggage scales, or the module can be an integral part ofthe scale, or it can be constructed as a hand held device that the checkin attendant or curb side baggage handler places near the passenger'sluggage. The activator module 18 can communicate and update severalelectronic labels at once. Alternatively, fixed location activatormodules can be placed at strategic locations along the end to end systemwide baggage handling process. This includes the conveyor belts thatmove the luggage between the check in counter and the plane. Forexample, every time the luggage is switched from one conveyor belt orsystem to another, the activator module can change the label indiciasignifying the status of the luggage. When the luggage is removed fromthe plane and placed on a cart, another activator module 18 can alterthe display to identify the luggage destination. This is especiallyuseful for connecting flights or long layovers or when a plane isremoved from service after the luggage was initially loaded on theairplane. Activator modules can be placed at the cargo bay entrances tothe airplanes luggage compartments. Activator modules can also be partof the large common containers used to load the luggage. Alternatively,the activator modules can be placed at baggage pick up conveyor beltsand at exit doors.

The activator modules can be placed in communication with a hostprocessing system or with a standalone processing system. If a standalone integrated labeling system is employed, the non integratedactivator module can display the current status of the luggage, whichcan then be connected to the host system or primary computer. The systemcan be updated the next time the tag comes within the electromagneticfield of the activator, or when the activator is connected to thesystem. In either case, some or all information on the label, whenupdated, allows the machine or human to adjust the steps taken based onwhat is shown.

Additional security measure and theft prevention and loss of luggage andimproper routing of luggage can be accomplished with this electroniclabeling system, especially since there can be remote standalonelocations that automatically change the information displayed. The barcodes are changed as necessary to reflect the changing status of therelevant information thereby increasing the level of routing automationthat can be applied to a given piece of luggage.

According to another application, the label can be employed inconnection with a built in Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) system tostore the position when the electronic label was last activated. Acommon signal command is transmitted by the GPS system. These signalsare received by the label whenever power is available. The processor candetermine the current label position from these signals. The label canthen process the GPS signals locally and change the label display ifnecessary.

According to another application, the labels can receive from theactivator module a common encrypted message signal, instruction orcommand. The labels in the array can be assigned unique encryption keys.Therefore, a common encrypted message broadcast to the electronic labelscan be decoded only by a subset of the labels receiving the broadcastedsignal.

In accordance with another application of the present invention, theelectronic label can be affixed to, or become part of, items used topermanently or temporarily capture, record, hold or store information aspart of an item associated with a physical monetary instrument and/or aphysical representation of a transaction. The term monetary instrumentincludes physical or non-physical instruments intended to signify,identify, correspond, or represent value of some amount. For example,the monetary instrument can be an item of value, such as paper currency,stock and bond certificates, government or corporate bonds andcertificates, vouchers, checks, deposit slip, withdrawal slips, treasurynotes, currency wrappers, and the like, or represent an item of value,such as financial information, transaction receipts, and the like. Theelectronic label can afford multiple levels of security for the physicalmonetary instruments. For example, public and private encrypting keysand other forms of electronic security can be disposed (burned) intoand/or downloaded into the electronic label.

The characteristics of the electronic ink contained in the displayportion of the electronic label can be modified to give specificpredetermined responses to outside physical interrogation. For example,fluorescent ink illuminates when excited with the appropriate radiationfrom an external source. The characteristics of the electronic inkcontained in the display portion of the electronic label can beconfigured or constructed to give specific predetermined responses tosignals received by the electronic label. For example different layersof display with different characteristics optical can be activated torespond with patterns based on a decoded message. The electronic labelcan also be adapted to alternate between displaying a message in thevisible wavelength range and displaying a fluorescent message. Those ofordinary skill will readily recognize that other types of ink can beused including fluorescent, iridescent, bioluminescent, incandescent,ultraviolet, infrared, and wavelength specific radiation absorbingmaterial. A variety of these optical characteristics can be combined toprovide additional mechanisms for authentication and security ofmonetary instruments.

Other applications related to monetary instruments can include employinga label (such as in strip form) in connection with one or more monetaryinstruments, or with a stack or selected number of monetary instruments.The activator module can then be employed to interrogate or communicatewith the labels to determine the number of labels and the type and/ornumber of monetary instruments. From this information, it is relativelyeasy to determine the amount of money at a selected location.Alternatively, a built in activator module can be mounted in amechanical bill counter. This arrangement ensures that all monetaryinstruments passing through the counter are authentic based on a uniqueserial number encrypted in a label mounted within or formed as anintegral part of each bill.

The display assembly can display information associated, related orcorresponding to the monetary instrument. The label also employstructure, such as the processor, for automatically altering thedisplayed information to reflect all or a subset of the informationtemporarily or permanently stored in a storage element mounted in thelabel. For example, the label can display information associated withthe value of a certain number or type of currencies (e.g., dollars,deutschemarks, francs, pounds, etc.), an account number, anidentification number (e.g., a serial number), an organization orcountry or government that initially issued the monetary instrument, afinancial institution, electronic financial routing information,security codes, and encrypting and anti-counterfeit algorithms.

An activator module can be used in connection with the monetaryinstrument for activating the label associated therewith. The activatormodule can be integrally formed as part of a receiving device sized anddimensioned for receiving or communicating with the monetary instrument.The receiving device can include a money counting machine, counterfeitinspection station, cash register or draw, securities validationmachine, bond validation machine, and an ATM machine. The activatormodule can alter information in the label without necessarily contactingthe label or the monetary instrument. For example, the activator modulecan update the label display even when the monetary instrument is in apocket, non conductive package, cash/bill holding compartment in awallet or purse, non conducting cash registers and bill countingmachines, gambling table cash draw, and non conducting bank tellerdraws.

According to another application, the label of the present invention canbe secured to a card sized item used to hold or store at least one of amonetary balance, an account number, identification indicia, andinstructions, as well as any other information suitable for a particularintended use. The card sized item can be sized and dimensioned forplacement into a suitable holder element, such as a shirt pocket,wallet, purse, bill fold, business card case, credit card bill fold,picture holders, and checkbook, or an item issued in connection with apermanent financial account, a point based account, a temporary monetaryaccount, a membership, a promotion service, a travel related serviceaccount, a charge account, a credit account, a debit account, a bonusaccount and an identification card. Examples of such cards include adebit card, credit card, cash withdrawal card, discount card, masstransit fare card, phone card, membership card, security card, driver'slicense, ID card, employee card, convention badge/card, gambling clubcard, keys for electronic door locks, insurance cards, toll cards andthe like. The label can be integrally formed with the card sized item orformed from the same material that forms the label. The card-sized itemcan also be configured for storing software for automatically updatingmachine readable indicia to create or display optical symbologies (e.g.,2D bar codes) on the display assembly. The label can then be used inconnection with electronic indicia reading equipment, such as a bar codereader, for reading the optical symbologies from the label.

The label can also be used with an activator module that is integrallyformed as part of a device sized and dimensioned for receiving orcommunicating with the item. Examples of such items include a telephoneor telephone booth, turnstile, doorway, cash register, card reader,vending machine, electronic purse reader, electronic wallet reader, ATMmachine, automatic lock/door opener, mass transit fare box, securityaccess stations, doorway, electronic door lock, badge reader, cashregister, card reader, strip reader, vending machine, and parking lotsand garages. The activator can alter information in the labelindependently or without directly c contacting the label. For example,the activator module can alter or update the label when the card isdisposed in an article of clothing, a non conductive package, a wallet,purse, bill fold, business card case, credit card bill folder, walletpicture holders, or checkbook.

The electronic label system of the present invention can employ softwarefor altering or changing the price of an item or a group of items basedon real time supply and demand. The label system can monitor the numberof items purchased by monitoring the number of items passing throughcheckout. From this information, the system can track inventory (howmany items on the shelf), and can instantaneously adjust the pricedisplayed by the label in response the supply and demand. The labelsystem can also change, alter or modify the information displayed by thelabel in connection with the item as the item moves through variousmanufacturing steps, wholesale/retail distribution, sales, purchasing,customer or end user transporting.

According to another application, the label 16 of the present inventioncan be attached to or fashioned as a wristband or ankle band for use bya person or animal. The label 16 can display information relating to theperson or animal, an item worn by the person, the current site orlocation of the person/animal, the service to which the person isentitled, employment or personal related information, conventionattendance related information, routing information for theperson/animal, selective portions of the history of the person/animal,as well as any other suitable information. The label can also be sizedand dimensioned for securing to an item worn externally and readilyvisible, such as decorative pin, badge holder, pendant, necklace, badge,or made as part of an article of clothing or gear worn by a person(e.g., hat, jacket, knapsack, belt) or the like or to an item (e.g.,card, coin, token) carried by the person in a location from which it canbe easily retrieved and presented (e.g., pocket, wallet purse).

The label 16 can be used to convey information to other people or tomachines adapted to act upon all or a portion of the informationdisplayed by the label. The information can be used to identify theperson or animal in possession of the item, to allow access to a securedor unsecured facility or site, or to receive special privileges. Thedisplay portion of the label can readily display information thatdirectly identifies the bearer, such as by name, image, oridentification number, or to anonymously identify the bearer, such as bypossessing the item. Examples of sites or facilities that the label canallow the bearer to gain access include but are not limited to anamusement park, theme park, amusement ride, arcade, racing event, beach,pool, fair, park, zoo, museum, art gallery, festival, sporting event oractivity (e.g., skiing), concert, entertainment event, tournament, spa,hotel, motel, inn, or resort, political event, convention, industrialshow, exhibit, educational/training institution, hospital, nursing home,extended care facility, camp, jail, prison, place of employment,security sensitive area, government building, military installation,movie, theater, cruise ship, auction, livestock feeding or raisingfacility, and parking garage.

The label 16 can also be used to track the position or status of aperson or item, as well as track the number of times an activity isperformed, the number of uses remaining for a given activity, how manytimes a ride is taken, the number of uses remaining for a given ride,remaining balance of prepaid spending money, and the like.

The label can also be formed as integral to or replace the item. Theitem and/or label can also be formed as a wristband, ankle band, bearercard, ear clip, identification tag, identification card, admissionscard, admission badge or pass, livestock tag, re-entry pass, allowancecard, pendent, pin, convention, symposium, or employee badge, electronicdoor key, security badge, admissions ticket, pass, electronic door key,fan card, club membership card, team identification card, hat band, hatpin, tag, belt, collar, ring, earring, health insurance card, medicalalert band, or travelling card, decorative pin, badge holder, pendant,necklace, badge, or formed as part of an article of clothing or gearworn by a person (e.g., hat, jacket, knapsack, belt) or the like.

According to another application, the label system of the presentinvention can be used to provide visible mailing/shipping/routinginformation about the destination of a letter, package or luggage. Thelabel 16 can be an integral part of the luggage, overnight mailingpackage, or shipping container to display information about the luggage,letter or package to which the label is attached. The items can betypically handled by an airline, cruise line, train, tour operator,hotel luggage handler, luggage storage area, bus company, overnightexpress mailing company, parcel post shipper, package deliver service,government postal organization, bulk mailer, catalogue shipping, homeshopping organization, record club customer shipment, internet shoppingcustomer shipment, home television shopping customer shipment,e-commerce customer shipment, department store customer shipment, retailstore customer shipment, or sweepstakes mailing.

The label system of the present invention when used in this manner canallow people or machines to display all or a subset of the informationstored in the label in order to determine the person traveling with theluggage, identify the owner of the luggage, appropriate routes of travelfor the luggage, class of service, identity of person shipping/mailing apackage, type of service desired for shipping/mailing, amount paid toship/mail a package, routes for delivery, transfer points for luggage,connecting flights, airport transfer hubs, transfer points for packagesbeing mailed, sorting locations for letters or packages, and identity ofselected ports. When used in this manner, the label 16 of the labelsystem 10 functions as an address or shipping label, luggage tag,adhesive or stick on shipping label, luggage storing label, passengeridentification tag, and/or airline ticket.

In this application, the activator module can be part of or comprise anairline check in counter, airline ticket issuing printer, e-ticketkiosk, baggage check in kiosk, skycap check in station, boarding gate,departure door, airplane boarding ramp, automated baggage handlingsystem, portable baggage ramp conveyor belts on trucks, cargo/baggagedoors of an airplane, transfer point on baggage conveyor belt,intersection of baggage conveyor belts, reading stations on baggageconveyor belts, baggage pick up conveyor carousels, door ways, securitycheck points, ship hatches, cabins, ship loading ramps (gangways),cargo/luggage storage holds, luggage compartments, hotel entrances,hotel check-in counters, bell stands, wheeled luggage racks, hotel roomentrances, storage rooms, car trunks, bus luggage compartments, tractortrailer loading docks, tractor trailer loading doors, post office clerkwindows, delivery person, pick up person, deliver truck, pickup truck,walk up manned mailing window, walk up unmanned mailing window/drop offboxes, drive up mailing window/drop off, self standing overnight mailingkiosks, mail boxes, drop boxes, automated parcel moving system,automated mail sorting systems, automated postage canceling system,automated postage affixing system, cars trucks, mail trays, mailcontainers, parcel bins, parcel/mail sacks, turnstile, doorways, door,gates, turnstiles, elevator, escalator, access/security monitoringsystem, reservation system, seat assignment system, American Associationof Travel agents reservation system, SABRE system, travel ticketingsystem, boarding monitoring system, luggage tracking systems,centralized systems and/or data bases, keyboard, keypad, Personal DataAssistant (Palm Pilot), voice activated device, stand alone computer,stand alone PC, inventorying equipment, common/shared data base, files,centralized computer, computer network, electronic data interchangenetwork equipment, e commerce system, world wide web, internet,intranet, network, phone system, RF computer network backbone, LocalArea Network connecting one or more computers, Wide Area Networkconnecting one or more computers, serial wire connection to one or morecomputers, parallel wire connection to one or more computers, opticalconnection to one or more computers, electromagnetic connection to oneor more computers, and a computer or network operating system.

The activator module 18 of the label system 10 can have any size andshape and can be mounted at any suitable location. For example, theactivator module can be a stand alone antenna or multiple antennas, ormounted in or at a wall, floor, ceiling, light fixtures, tram,turnstile, doorway, door, gate, entry way or passage way, swingingarm/gate, elevator, escalator, moving sidewalks, airline check incounter, ticketing kiosks, check in kiosks, travel related kiosks,skycap check in counter, boarding gate counter, departure gate doorway,departure gate doorway, boarding pas collection equipment, airplaneboarding ramp, entry and exit portals/openings into/out of automatedbaggage handling systems, portable baggage ramp conveyor belts ontrucks, cargo/baggage doors of airplanes, proximate baggage handlingconveyor belts, reading stations on baggage conveyor belts, baggage pickup conveyor carousels, security check point portals, carry on luggagechecking equipment, ship hatches, ship cabins, ship loading ramps(gangways), cabin entry door/hatches, cargo/luggage storage holds, shipluggage compartments, hotel entrances, hotel check-in counters, bellstands, wheeled luggage racks, hotel room entrances, storage rooms, cartrunks, bus luggage compartments, tractor trailer loading docksdoorways, tractor trailer doorways, post office clerk windows, recordingor logging devices carried by delivery/pick up person, deliver truckdoorways, delivery trucks, pickup trucks, customer servicing counters,cash registers, weighing stations, scales, and local postal issuingstations/offices, windows, passage ways for packages, mailing kiosks,mail boxes, drop boxes, automated parcel moving system, automated mailsorting systems, cars trucks, mail trays, mail containers, parcel bins,parcel/mail sacks, equipment used by postal clerks, equipment used byairline check in agents, equipment used by shipping and receivingpersonnel, equipment used by pick up and delivery personnel, doorways,door, gates, turnstiles, elevator, escalator, keyboard, keypad, personaldata assistant, voice activated device, computer network, a stand alonecomputer, mouse pad, computer peripheral, microprocessor, and Java box.

According to still another application, the label 16 of the label system10 can be sized and dimensioned to be secured to a general purpose gameboard, integrally formed as part of the game board, or formed from thesame material or stock that forms the game board. Likewise, the labelcan be secured to game pieces, integrally formed as part of the gamepiece, or formed from the same material or stock that forms the gamepiece. According to one practice, the label can be attached to or formspart of the covering of an appropriately sized and shaped game boardtop, upon which the game is played. Examples of types of game boards andgame pieces include a checker and chess board, Parcheesi board, Monopolyboard, Scrabble board, Backgammon board, BINGO, Trivia pursuit, Mahjongboard, UNO, Life, and Chutes and Ladders. A single game board can beprovided, and the display can be altered to represent the game board fora selected game. For example, the label can first display a checkersboard and then display a backgammon board, when desired. The labelsystem 10 can alter the display based upon selected programs to create adynamic game. For example, a new type of dynamic game can be createdusing an array of game pieces, each containing the label system 10and/or game boards that include the label 16 and activator module. Thesystem 10 can alter the appearance and meaning of the game board and/orgame pieces throughout the game.

The label 16 of the system 10 can also be used to automatically andreliably change the appearance (pixels) of the display assembly toreflect all or a subset of the information temporarily or permanentlystored in the storage element of the label. The information stored inthe storage element can include a unique label/tag identificationnumber, name of game, logo of game, lines, squares, boxes, start point,end point, finish, value, name of establishment, odds, numbers, letters,words, imaginary characters, characters, color, shades, encryptingsoftware, security codes, and anti-counterfeit software.

New and different variations of table and gambling games can be createdby incorporating the label system 10 or label 16. Examples of such gamesinclude blackjack, roulette, craps, Caribbean poker, Baccarat, pool,billiards, and bumper balls.

Similarly, the activator module 18 of the label system 10 can compriseor be formed as part of a black jack table, craps table, roulette table,Caribbean poker, Baccarat, pool, billiards, bumper balls, gamblingmonitoring/surveillance system, security system, electronic pokernetwork, electronic cumulative jackpot system, video game, Windows basedgame Application, dedicated game microprocessor, table, chair, lightfixture, electronic table top, television, DVD player, homeentertainment system, cable television, satellite television,centralized systems and/or data bases, keyboard, keypad, personal dataassistant (Palm Pilot), voice activated device, stand alone computer,common/shared data base, files, computer network, electronic datainterchange network equipment, e-commerce system, internet (includingthe world wide web), intranet, phone system, RF computer networkbackbone, Local Area Network (LAN) connecting one or more computers,Wide Area Network (WAN) connecting one or more computers, serial wireconnection to one or more computers, parallel wire connection to one ormore computers, optical connection to one or more computers,electromagnetic connection to one or more computers, computer or networkoperating system. The activator module can be placed or mounted on,under, behind, within, integral to, suspended from, covering, orattached to an object normally found in all types of homes, game rooms,casinos, bingo parlors, pool halls, camps, schools, day care centers,gyms, health clubs, spas, and the like.

According to another application, the label 16 of the label system 10 ofthe present invention can also be used in connection with an informationorganizing item, such as a calendar, day timer, phone book, addressbook, recipe book, planner, appointment scheduler, rolodex, date book,agenda planner, guest book, and log book. The information organizingitem can be attached to a larger piece of furniture or equipment, suchas a refrigerator, desk, counter top, credenza, table, bulletin board,door, desk organizer, or cabinet, and the like. The label can be adaptedto automatically and reliably alter or update the information shown bythe display assembly to reflect all or a subset of the informationtemporarily or permanently stored in the storage element of the label.The stored information can include a unique label/tag identificationnumber, type of organizer, manufacturer name, day, month year, date,time, appointment, birthday, holiday, meeting, telephone number, streetaddress, street name, city, state, zip code, e-mail address, lines,boxes, squares, phone message, names, call back time, encryptingsoftware, security codes, and anti-counterfeit software, and the like.

The label system 10 can also employ an activator module mounted relativeto the information organizing element so as to actuate the label 16, ifnecessary. For example, the activator module can be mounted beneath thedisplay of the information organizing element to display information. Itis apparent that associated elements of the label system can beconfigured to determine electronically, optically (laser or infraredlight beams), or mechanically (via pressure sensors or stylus), selectedinformation, thus allowing the display to be modified in real time. Thisallows information to be displayed as it is entered, while concomitantlyenabling and creating the appearance and ability to write or draw.

The display assembly can be self contained on the information organizingitem and can be powered by a battery disposed local to the item, suchthat the entire item becomes self contained and can be updated whereverand whenever desired.

The illustrated electronic label 16 or electronic labeling system 10 canbe employed in a number of additional environments, applications oruses. Examples of such environments, uses and applications as set forthabove are not intended to be exhaustive of the total number ofapplications, and is not intended to limit or preclude additionalapplications or uses not set forth herein.

It will thus be seen that the invention efficiently attains the objectsset forth above, among those made apparent from the precedingdescription. Since certain changes may be made in the aboveconstructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it isintended that all matter contained in the above description or shown inthe accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are to cover allgeneric and specific features of the invention described herein, and allstatements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language,might be said to fall therebetween.

1. A remotely-alterable flexible electronic-ink based display device fordisplaying graphical, comprising: a flexible addressable displayassembly including a layer of electronic ink including a bi-stablenon-volatile imaging material disposed between an activation layer and atransparent electrode layer located above said layer of electronic ink,for activating said layer of electronic ink at particular locations todisplay graphical indicia on the surface of said addressable displayassembly, wherein said layer of electronic ink does not requireelectrical power to maintain the display of said graphical indicia; atleast one flexible antenna layer for sending and/or receivingelectromagnetic signals carrying information corresponding to one ofinstructions, programs, data or selected graphical indicia to bedisplayed by said flexible addressable display assembly; a flexibleintegrated circuit layer having (i) a storage element for storing saidinstructions, programs and data, and (ii) a programmed processor inelectrical communication with said flexible addressable display assemblyand said at least one flexible antenna layer, and using said programs toprocess said instructions and data for (i) determining the graphicalindicia to be displayed by said flexible addressable display assembly atany moment in time, (ii) controlling and coordinating operation of saidflexible addressable display assembly, and (iii) generating outputsignals for instructing said flexible addressable display assembly todisplay the determined graphical indicia; a flexible signal transmittinglayer, operably connected to said flexible integrated circuit layer andsaid flexible antenna layer, for transmitting electromagnetic signalsfrom said at least one flexible antenna layer, to at least one remoteactivator module; a flexible signal receiving layer, operably connectedto said flexible integrated circuit layer and said flexible antennalayer, for receiving electromagnetic signals from said remote activatormodule, using said at least one flexible antenna layer; wherein saidreceived electromagnetic signals carry information corresponding to saidprograms, said instructions, said data or said graphical indicia to bedisplayed by said flexible addressable display assembly; an on-boardbattery power layer, operably connected to said flexible integratedcircuit layer, for supplying electrical power to said flexibleintegrated circuit layer; wherein said flexible integrated circuit layeris responsive to electromagnetic signals received from said remoteactivator module by said at least one flexible antenna layer and saidflexible signal receiving layer; wherein said addressable displayassembly is responsive to said output signals generated by saidprogrammed processor, to display the determined graphical indicia; andwherein said at least one flexible antenna layer, said flexibleintegrated circuit layer, said flexible signal transmitting layer, saidflexible signal receiving layer and said on-board electrical powercomponent are arranged and stacked together behind and within thespatial extent of said flexible addressable display assembly so as toform said remotely-alterable flexible electronic-ink based displaydevice having a flexible stacked-layer construction.
 2. Theremotely-alterable flexible electronic-ink based display device of claim1, wherein each said remote activator receives electromagnetic signalsfrom said at least one antenna layer, carrying a variety of information,including the status of the graphical indicia displayed by saidelectronic-ink based display device.
 3. The remotely-alterable flexibleelectronic-ink based display device of claim 1, wherein said flexiblesignal transmitting layer and said flexible signal receiving layer arerealized as a flexible signal transceiving structure.
 4. Theremotely-alterable flexible electronic-ink based display device of claim1, which comprises a flexible protection layer disposed over said layerof electronic ink in order to prevent said flexible addressable displayassembly from inadvertent physical trauma and/or environmental damage.5. The remotely-alterable flexible electronic-ink based display deviceof claim 1, wherein said activation layer comprises an electronicactivation grid, disposed on a support structure, to form a plurality ofaddressable pixel locations, wherein each said addressable pixellocation is addressable by said programmed processor.
 6. Theremotely-alterable flexible electronic-ink based display device of claim5, wherein said processor controls each pixel location in saidactivation grid to form human and/or machine readable graphical indiciawithin said layer of electronic ink.
 7. The remotely-alterable flexibleelectronic-ink based display device of claim 1, wherein said activationlayer has patterns designed to provide sufficient power at selectedpixel locations to form said graphical indicia.
 8. Theremotely-alterable flexible electronic-ink based display device of claim7, wherein. the said patterns include shapes selected from the groupconsisting of quadrilateral shape matrices, intersecting arcs, andlinear and non-linear patterns.
 9. The remotely-alterable flexibleelectronic-ink based display device of claim 1, wherein said electronicink comprises an arrangement of microcapsules disposed between saidtransparent electrode layer and said activation layer, and wherein eachsaid microcapsule has disposed therein an electrophoretic composition ofa fluid, and a suspension of colored or charged particles or colloidalmaterial.
 10. The remotely-alterable flexible electronic-ink baseddisplay device of claim 9, wherein said fluid comprises a dielectric oremulsion fluid.
 11. The remotely-alterable flexible electronic-ink baseddisplay device of claim 1, wherein said layer of electronic inkcomprises rotatable balls rotatable to expose a different coloredsurface area, and migratable between a forward viewing position and/or arear non-viewing position.
 12. The remotely-alterable flexibleelectronic-ink based display device of claim 11, wherein a potentialdifference produced across said activation layer and said transparentelectrode layer causes particles within the microcapsules of said layerof electronic ink, to migrate towards one of said electrodes, therebychanging the color of said microcapsules, and thus the pixel location,as viewed by an individual.
 13. The remotely-alterable flexibleelectronic-ink based display device of claim 9, wherein saidmicrocapsules are filled with electrically-charged white coloredparticles suspended in a black or colored dye.
 14. Theremotely-alterable flexible electronic-ink based display device of claim1, wherein said electronic ink is configured as a single color, such asblack, white or clear, or as a fluorescent, iridescent, bioluminescent,incandescent, ultraviolet, infrared, or other wavelength specificradiation absorbing or emitting material.
 15. The remotely-alterableflexible electronic-ink based display device of claim 1, wherein saidgraphical indicia is displayed on the surface of said flexibleaddressable display assembly, in human and/or machine readable form. 16.The remotely-alterable flexible electronic-ink based display device ofclaim 1, wherein said remote activator module employs a processorarranged with a receiver, a transmitter, and an antenna device.
 17. Theremotely-alterable flexible electronic-ink based display device of claim16, wherein said receiver and said transmitter in said remote activatormodule are combined into a single transceiver device for both sendingand receiving electromagnetic signals.
 18. The remotely-alterableflexible electronic-ink based display device of claim 1, wherein saidremote activator module is configured to transmit or receive, by way ofelectromagnetic signal transmission, commands, instructions, softwareprograms, and parameters or variables associated with either (i) pixeladdress locations of said flexible addressable display assembly, (ii)the graphical indicia displayed on the surface of said addressabledisplay assembly, or (iii) instructions for subsequent use by saidflexible electronic-ink based display device.
 19. The remotely-alterableelectronic-ink based display device of claim 1, wherein said flexibletransmitting antenna structure transmits an electromagnetic signal fromsaid flexible addressable display assembly to said remote activatormodule, wherein said transmitted electromagnetic signal carriesinformation or data associated with the status of the graphical indiciadisplayed by said flexible addressable display assembly, or the statusor operating condition of said flexible electronic-ink based displaydevice.
 20. The electronic-ink based display device of claim 1, whereinsaid programmed processor communicates with said storage element inorder to store data associated with computer programs, instructions orstored pixel addresses in said storage element, and access selected datatherefrom for use in determining the particular graphical indiciadisplayed by said addressable display assembly.
 21. Theremotely-alterable flexible electronic-ink based display device of claim1, wherein said storage element comprises a volatile or non-volatilememory element, or combinations thereof, such as RAM, ROM, EPROM, orEEPROM.
 22. The remotely-alterable flexible electronic-ink based displaydevice of claim 1, wherein said programmed processor and said storageelement co-operate to retrieve data stored in said storage element,corresponding to the graphical indicia to be displayed by said flexibleaddressable display assembly.
 23. The remotely-alterable flexibleelectronic-ink based display device of claim 1, wherein said programmedprocessor initiates or executes one or more preprogrammed sequencesstored locally within said storage element for determining whichgraphical indicia is displayed by said flexible addressable displayelement, and generating output signals to activate said flexibleaddressable display device to display said graphical indicia based onsaid executed preprogrammed sequences.
 24. The remotely-alterableflexible electronic-ink based display device of claim 1, wherein saidprogrammed processor processes instructions received by said activatormodule, to generate output signals to activate said flexible addressabledisplay device to display said graphical indicia based on processedinstructions.
 25. The remotely-alterable flexible electronic-ink baseddisplay device of claim 1, wherein the graphical indicia displayed bysaid flexible addressable display assembly is textual and/or graphicinformation.
 26. The remotely-alterable flexible electronic-ink baseddisplay device of claim 1, wherein said transmitted and receivedelectromagnetic signals are radio frequency (RF) based electromagneticsignals transmitted and received between said remotely-alterableflexible electronic-ink based display device and said remote activatormodule.
 27. The remotely-alterable flexible electronic-ink based displaydevice of claim 1, in combination with said remote activator module, toprovide a remotely-controllable electronic-ink based display system.